Viktor Gyokeres needs Gabriel Martinelli to be told to one thing by Arsenal to change everything

Not the way that Mikel Arteta would have wanted to see his side perform with less than two weeks to go until Arsenal travel north to Manchester United. Falling to a 3-2 defeat to Villarreal courtesy of three defensive errors which left players looking at one another for answers.

The Gunners would have liked their return to the Emirates Stadium to have been as strong as the reaction that Viktor Gyokeres received from the supporters. However, while being dominant, they lacked cutting edge and then when hit on the counter, their opponents were ruthless – Arsenal were not.

Now, this always comes with the guise that this remains pre-season, and therefore any performance and subsequent result should be taken with a grain of salt. Yet what can become challenging is the fact that there remain problems that have been witnessed during the previous seasons that are not changing.

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However, there were still plenty of talking points from the game that should bring encouragement. The first time seeing Gyokeres from the start was certainly one and as mentioned the noise from the crowd when his name was read out by Peter Mujuzi through the speakers was special.

Although it was well-known that Gyokeres’ arrival has sparked a record-breaking reaction of shirt purchases, seeing it in the flesh was something else. The number of shirts I saw as I approached the Emirates Stadium harked back to when every other shirt had Thierry Henry’s name adorned upon it.

His performance, despite remembering the little time and minutes he has had with side, was also something to take away. I gave the Swede a six in the player ratings which might seem harsh but that is because mainly my bar for expectation is so high.

There was a great chance for him in the second half which he couldn’t quite find the finish for but his movement throughout was enticing. It was clear the players were trying to find him to give him that first goal to hopefully open the floodgates.

“I hope days and every day in training I think he's getting a really good feeling,” Arteta said when asked how long it will take for him to get up to speed and integrated. “I think he's built connections as well outside, which I think is really important with players that are going to help him to be in the position that he needs to get in.

“His fitness level, I think he hasn't trained really with the team for two months, so he's done now six or five sessions, I think, before today. So, I think on Saturday, again, I think he will take another step and he will be in a better condition.”

The first thing you notice about Gyokeres is his sheer size. He isn’t built like your typical footballer and has real muscular stature to his frame and that focal point for the Gunners will be something they need to find a way of adapting too.

What was evident was how much better and more threatening the team looked when the substitutions were made in the second half. Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are thought to be the best trio for the middle, and their introduction really ramped up the pressure.

I would be surprised if Arteta doesn’t start these three against Athletic Club on Saturday, with Gyokeres working with them. It is a shame that the start to the campaign is so tough, as it would have been good to have some less fearsome opponents to ease the new players in. Instead, it looks to be a trial by fire, which Arteta will hope his stars relish.

Two other points of note include, of course, Max Dowman. The 15-year-old has now won two penalties this pre-season with his skilful footwork, and I have to say the roar to his name was rather similar to that of Gyokeres.

The way he makes things happen with every action injects an eagerness this Arsenal side has sorely needed. It is near-impossible not to argue that his quality and style are needed in this team. Could this change the way Arsenal recruits this summer? It very well could.

On the left though, I could not help but be frustrated again with Gabriel Martinelli’s performance. A brilliant cross from the corner for Christian Norgaard (who also had a great game again) aside, the Brazilian was his characteristic self, with his head looking firmly at the floor.

There was a moment where possession was turned over, and instinctively, Gyokeres began making a run through the left half space. But Martinelli, as shown in the replay, took several touches too many and failed to spot his striker’s movement.

There is a bluntness to his game which I cannot help but fear for. My hope is that as the team adapts to Gyokeres and becomes a better team in transition, this will suit Martinelli, but for all that is good in this world, please, get your head up!

Lastly, Noni Madueke after just a handful of sessions with his new side came on and, well I like what I saw. Finally Arsenal have someone who drives and fires strong left-footed balls into the box.

There is an anticipation about Gyokeres being able to feed off these moments and be rewarded. Madueke returned early from his break and I asked Arteta after the game what this showed in him and the Spaniard revealed he did so without even being asked to.

“Yeah, without asking about it,” Arteta replied. “He showed a lot of desire to come and join us from day one, and I think what he's done is remarkable.

“I think it shows how much he wants it, how willing he is to put everything that he can to make this work. I think the reception he got from all the supporters, it was brilliant as well. So, great. Again, another one through the door to have the first experience with us and on Saturday, go again.”

The reception as Arteta is right to point out was definitely a plus as well. Yes, he missed a meaningless penalty at the end which would have been nice if he scored but, who cares?

The work for Madueke starts now and perhaps we will see even more from him this week. Just, it would be nice if the Gunners could win this game and take some momentum into Old Trafford but we come full circle here as the age-old phrase rings loudly in my mind… It’s just pre-season!